Chapter Text
Ratchet exhaled as he and Optimus neared their rooms. It was late, both of them had been working for hours. Their steps were sloppy and frames heavy. They stopped at Ratchet’s door. His quarters were closest to the main room.
“I’ll see you in the morning?” Ratchet said.
“I’ll be here,” Optimus replied.
Ratchet smiled as Optimus leaned forward towards Ratchet. He took his servo off the door handle and faced him. They joined servos and Optimus held him at his waist. Ratchet gripped his shoulder and let his digits trail up to his face.
He smiled even as their lips met and he was fairly certain Optimus was doing the same. They parted a few times only to join again. They kept their hold tight on each other’s servos and Optimus’ digits worked circles into Ratchet’s side. Ratchet’s servo on his helm cupped his chin and slid down towards his chassis.
Ratchet wanted to invite him inside, ask him to stay the night. Their nights together were few and far between. They both treasured them deeply.
But tonight was not that night. They had to space out their time together to avoid any sort of suspicion from their comrades, human or Autobot. Their time would come soon enough.
That didn’t mean that it didn’t annoy Ratchet. Neither of them slept well, he knew that for certain, and they both got the best recharge when sharing a berth. Ratchet knew they were both getting tired and he knew exactly how to fix it, but the remedy was just out of his reach.
But stolen moments like these had gotten them through well enough. Back on Cybertron, when they were stationed on bigger bases, it was easier to sneak off. There was so much to do and so many moving mecha, Ratchet was able to phase through a crowd and come out on the other side on the doorstep of Prime’s quarters.
Ratchet pulled away. If this kept on any longer, he might not be able to let go. He caught Optimus’ optics in his gaze for a few moments before a flash of bright color caught his attention.
He flicked his helm to the side and over Optimus’ shoulder, Bumblebee stood, peering around a corner, servos raised. They stared at each other for several horrifying seconds. It was long enough for Optimus to catch on and look behind him. Once he did, Bumblebee scurried across the hallway intersection, squealing beeps of apology.
Ratchet stuttered nonsense, pulling away from Optimus and clanging against the door. Optimus stoof to his full height, removing his servo from Ratchet’s side and placing it on his shoulder.
“Do not fret,” he said. “I will talk to him in the morning.”
“But Optimus-”
Optimus took his servo in his own and held it close to his chassis. “Bumblebee will not betray our trust. I will explain it to him in the morning. Please, try to get some recharge.”
With that, Optimus leaned down once more and planted a final kiss onto his forehelm. The words were lost on Ratchet’s tongue and he turned to head inside his quarters.
“I’ll see you in the morning, then.” He gave his servo one last squeeze. “Good night, Optimus.”